Teachers of the Year visit Legislative Hall

Delaware
2016 Teacher of the Year Sandra Hall, joined by the state’s 2016 District
Teachers of the Year, addressed legislators in both chambers today after
lawmakers passed a concurrent resolution honoring the
educators. Governor Jack Markell also invited the teachers to his
office to hear their insights on education issues in the
state.

The
resolution sponsors were Sen. David Sokola and Rep. Earl Jaques, who chair the
Senate and House’s respective education committees.

In
her address, Hall, a fourth grade teacher at Smyrna School District’s North
Smyrna Elementary School, talked to lawmakers about how educators use data,
such as student assessment results, to inform their instruction. But, she said,
that information alone isn’t enough. Teachers also must know the “stories
behind the data” – the out-of-school influences that may be affecting a
student’s ability to learn.

“The stories of our students and ‘the faces behind
the data’ challenge us. They confront us every day to provide them the
most enriching learning experience possible, and to do it with care,
compassion, and a sense of security along the way,” Hall said.

“As teachers we understand that we are – and should
be -- held accountable for our students’ progress. We analyze various
data about our students’ progress every week, but it only tells us part of the
story. It cannot tell a child's whole story. We know that when students
struggle outside of school, they will struggle in school. This is what the data
tells us.”

To help students grow, teachers must take the time
to know the child behind the data, Hall said.

“We must understand, appreciate, and use the data and
the children’s stories as a plan for action. For those struggling, this
may mean a snack, a hug, a kind word or food sent home on weekends,” she said.
“It may mean we become their cheerleader or counselor, or we may have to search
for more support that we cannot provide alone. We must meet their
physical and emotional needs so they will be ready to learn.

“But we must also help our families help their
children. We can establish this through better communication, organizing and
coordinating learning activities that reinforce classroom skills at home, and
collaboration with our communities,” she said.